Reclosable fitment for connecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a device for the delivery of products, preferably cleaning products which comprise an active ingredient and more preferably cleaning products which comprise a surfactant. The device includes at least one liquid reservoir for containing at least one product and a dispensing appliance for delivering the product. The dispensing appliance comprises at least one piercing means or at least one pierceable means, and the reservoir respectively comprises at least one corresponding pierceable means or at least one piercing means, such that the pierceable means recloses when the reservoir is removed from the dispensing appliance. Preferably, the piercing means is achieved by at least one needle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device comprising a reservoir and adispensing means, with improved fitment system between said reservoirand said means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spray devices are known for the purposes of domestic cleaning, forexample for cleaning hard surfaces such as windows, baths and ovens, aswell as for spot cleaning of floor coverings such as carpets. Most spraydevices which are commercially available are manually or electricallyoperated, that is to say that the devices comprise a pump which isactivated or operated by the consumer. Most commonly this activationgenerates liquid pressure in a chamber by means of a positivedeplacement pump which in turn drives the liquid from the chamberusually through a dispensing nozzle. Many dispensing patterns arepossible, but a conical spray is the most common. Usually, such spraydevices comprise a reservoir filled with an active composition, and ameans to dispense the composition from within said reservoir. The spraydevices typically further comprise a basic fitment system to secure thereservoir onto the dispensing means, so as to establish a fluidcommunication between the two.

Some of these fitment systems comprise a needle that connects thedispensing means and the reservoir in a leak tight-manner, through apierceable member.

The following references are directed to devices comprising a reservoirand a dispensing means which are fitted to each other by means by aneedle/pierceable member: U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,191 to Habley MedicalTechnologies describes a mechanical sprayer associated with a vial witha pierceable septum. The fitment system between the sprayer and the vialis not shaped, dimensioned nor made of a material, such that once thevial is withdrawn from the sprayer, the septum recloses. U.S. Pat. No.5,716,007 to Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates describes a rechargeableelectrical sprayer. The recharge doesn't feature a pierceable membraneand the recharge change is not prevented from spillage/messiness. U.S.Pat. No. 5,411,175 to New England Pharmaceuticals, Inc. describes acombination of a dispenser with a pierceable member. Said pierceablemember is made of (a) a membrane which is pierceable by (b) a piercingelement, for example a needle. The pierceable member is independent fromthe dispenser, and is disposed off together with a recharge of productto be dispensed. Thus, this leads to excess costs, since the materialfor making the pierceable member is quite expensive, and the structureof the fitment (membrane together with needle) is difficult tomanufacture. U.S. Pat. No. 3,554,450 to Thomas F. D'Muhala describes asprayer associated with a pierceable cartridge. The fitment systembetween the sprayer and the cartridge is not shaped, dimensioned normade of a material, such that once the cartridge is withdrawn from thesprayer, the septum recloses. EP 847721A2 to Robert Thomas Metall—undElektrowerke describes a vacuum cleaner associated to an electricalsprayer for carpet treatment. The device features a refillable tank. Theconstruction does not allow fast change of the product, since theconsumer has to completely empty the tank, and clean it beforere-filling it with some other product.

While solving some issues, the above mentioned prior art documents stillpresent some disadvantages. After removing the reservoir from theappliance, the user might be in a situation where a certain amount ofproduct remains in said reservoir, for example in case the user wouldlike to temporarily use the dispensing appliance for dispensing anothertype of product. In this case, the remaining product may well leakthrough the pierced membrane of the reservoir, which is clearlyundesirable to the consumer.

It is therefore one main object of the present invention to provide theuser with a fitment system for fitting a liquid reservoir inside adispensing appliance, which comprises a pierceable membrane and apiercing means, said fitment preventing leakage of remaining productcontained inside said reservoir, after said membrane has been piercedand after the reservoir is removed from the appliance.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide the user witha fitment system which does not leak during usage

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide theuser with a device comprising a reservoir, and a dispensing appliancefor dispensing the reservoir's contents, both reservoir and appliancebeing connected by a such fitment system. Indeed such leakage could leadto damages to the appliance, especially in case it is an electricallydriven appliance, and in any case, such leakage may lead to messinesswhich is clearly undesirable to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device for the delivery ofproducts, preferably cleaning products comprising an active ingredient,more preferably cleaning products comprising a surfactant, the devicecomprising at least one liquid reservoir for containing at least oneproduct and a dispensing appliance for delivering the product,characterized in that the dispensing appliance comprises at least onepiercing means or at least one pierceable means, and the reservoirrespectively comprises at least one corresponding pierceable means or atleast one piercing means, such that said at least one pierceable meansrecloses when said reservoir is removed from said dispensing appliance.Preferably, said piercing means is achieved by at least one needle.

The present invention is further directed to a reservoir for fittinginto a dispensing appliance as defined above, also to the closure havinga pierceable means for fitting onto such a closure. Finally, the presentinvention is further directed to a fitment system for releasablyestablishing a fluid communication between a reservoir and a dispensingappliance as defined above, in a leak-tight manner, such that when thereservoir is removed from said appliance, the pierceable means reclosesin order to prevent leakage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic profile views of one embodiment of afitment according to the present invention, showing the cap of thereservoir out of the appliance recess, then partially inserted, and thenfully inserted so that it is pierced by needles to establish a fluidcommunication between said reservoir and said appliance.

FIG. 2 is a profile view of a cap to be used in a fitment according tothe present invention, said cap being attached to the neck of areservoir by means of screw threads, said cap comprising a pierceablemembrane inserted into its top wall.

FIGS. 3A to 3F are views showing a reservoir which can be used with afitment according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a profile view showing a device comprising a reservoir and adispensing appliance, said reservoir and appliance being connected by afitment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention a device (1) is provided for dispensing aproduct onto a surface, preferably a cleaning a product, more preferablya cleaning product for treating carpets or other large fabric coverings.Said device (1) comprises the combination of a reservoir (10) forcontaining a composition, preferably a liquid cleaning product, with anappliance for dispensing the product.

Any type of device comprising a dispensing appliance and a reservoir canuse a fitment as hereafter described, in order to establish a fluidcommunication between said reservoir and said dispensing appliance.However, in the rest of the present description, and for claritypurposes, one embodiment of a dispensing appliance (11) is described inmore detail, which preferably comprises a housing, a spraying arm (12),and a means for conducting product from the reservoir (10) to thespraying arm.

Preferably, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises a manually orelectrically driven pump. More preferably, said dispensing appliance(11) comprises an electrically driven pump which is used to pump productfrom the reservoir (10) through the spraying arm and out of the productdispensing opening (or openings) located in the spraying arm, to thesurface to be treated. In this way, the dispensing appliance (11)connected to a reservoir (10) constitutes an electrical spraying device(1), as shown for example in FIG. 4. The product dispensing openings arepreferably nozzles which are selected so that the sprayed product takesthe form of a continuous stream or film, or of a discontinuous stream orfilm of fine particles, or of a mist, or of a foam. It is most preferredthat the spray pattern is in the form of fine particles because this isthe most efficient way to cover a large surface area with a small volumeof product with an even coverage. Typically the product output is fromabout 20 ml/minute to about 400 ml/minute, and preferably from about 150ml/minute to about 250 ml/minute, the product being typically suitablefor carpet cleaning. Devices which can use a fitment according to thepresent invention are for example devices for spraying householdcleaning or laundry products, or perfumes. In a preferred embodiment,such devices are used for dispensing a cleaning solution for cleaningsurfaces such as fabrics, carpets, floors, and ceilings.

It is preferred that the spray arm (12) has one nozzle (13), but it mayalso have multiple nozzles located along its length. The spray arm (12)makes it easier to control where the cleaning product is sprayed. Forexample, when cleaning carpets the spray arm (12) makes it easier toavoid spraying product onto furniture and walls, and also enables accessinto corners which would otherwise be difficult to reach. Furthermore,an ergonomically designed spray arm (12) avoids the need for the user tohave a bent back when spraying. The spray arm (12) is preferablyextendible and/or detachable from the dispensing means housing.

The Dispensing Appliance

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fitment asdescribed hereafter is to be used in a dispensing appliance (11) whichcomprises a means for conducting the product from the reservoir (10)through the spray arm (12), to the product dispensing opening from whichsaid product is dispensed. Said means for conducting the product isconnected to the reservoir (10) and to the spray arm (12), for examplevia pipes, which can be for example flexible plastic pipes, and moreimportantly, through a fitment system which is hereafter described inmore detail. The means for conducting the product from the reservoir(10) to the spray arm (12) is preferably contained into the housing, aswell as the pipes, if any.

For any type of device (1) that is to be used with a fitment accordingto the present invention, it is essential that said dispensing appliance(11) comprises a piercing means, or a pierceable means that fitsrespectively a corresponding pierceable means or piercing means of thereservoir (10). Preferably, said dispensing appliance comprises apiercing means which fits into a corresponding pierceable means of thereservoir. More preferably, said piercing means of the dispensingappliance is achieved by at least one needle (15), which fits with apierceable means of the reservoir (10), as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Alsomore preferably, the pierceable means of the reservoir is integrated toa cap that closes said reservoir. Even more preferably, said pierceablemeans is an elastomeric membrane (or septum) and the appliance comprisestwo needles, one being connected to the pumping means, the other onecomprising a one-way valve or venting membrane for letting air enter thereservoir (10) while the contents is removed therefrom, thus playing therole of a venting system.

Alternatively, said piercing means is located onto the reservoir, andsaid pierceable means is located into the appliance. In the rest of thepresent description, only the preferred embodiment featuring theneedle(s) onto the appliance and the pierceable means onto the reservoirwill be further discussed, but this should not be taken as a restrictionto the scope of the present invention.

At first use, when the consumer inserts the reservoir (10) into thedispensing appliance (11), the elastomeric membrane (14) is pierced, asshown in FIG. 1C, so as to establish a leak-tight fluid communicationbetween the interior of said reservoir (10) and the dispensing appliance(11). Then, the reservoir's contents is pumped through one needle (15),to the pump, up to the also provides a fitment which is not very complex(needle and elastomeric membrane) and thus quite cheap to produce.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, themeans for conducting the product from the reservoir (10) through thespray arm (12) to the product dispensing opening comprises anelectrically driven pump. The electrically driven pump may be, forexample, a gear pump, an impeller pump, a piston pump, a screw pump, aperistaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, or any other miniature pump. In oneembodiment the pump is a gear pump with a typical speed between 6000 and12000 rpm.

The electrically driven pump must be driven by a means such as anelectric motor. The electric motor typically produces a torque between 1and 50 mN.m. The electric motor must, in turn be provided with a powersource. The power source may be either mains electricity (optionally viatransformer), or it may be a throw-away battery, or rechargeablebattery. Most preferred are one or more AA rechargeable or disposablebatteries, the batteries being housed in the package. The voltage outputof the battery is typically between 1.5 and 12 Volts, with a preferredoutput between 3 and 6V.

In one embodiment of this invention, the pump is designed to bereversible, so that it can dispense liquid from the reservoir (10), andsuck liquid from a surface, or only from the pipes of the dispensingappliance (11), back into the same or preferably another reservoir (10).Typically, only small amounts of liquid can be sucked back from asurface, and such a reversible pump is not intended to replace the useof a vacuum cleaner. Several ways of inverting the rotation of the pumpcan be used. In one example, the pump and motor are linked to a timerand an electronic circuit, such that after a defined time (eg. 15seconds) the motor is not used, it automatically starts again, and itsrotation side is reversed. As a result, the remaining product in thetubing and the extension of the dispensing appliance (11) is sucked backinto the reservoir (10). As a consequence when replacing a product byanother one, it is easy to change the product without mixing new and oldproducts. For example, the consumer can use the dispensing appliance(11) for dispensing a first type of composition, then wait for the pumpto suck back said first composition from the pipes, and then change thereservoir (10) or its contents to dispense a second composition withoutmixing of the two compositions inside the pipes.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispensingappliance (11) comprises at least one recess and/or protrusion (17) tofit onto at least one corresponding protrusion and/or recess (16) of thereservoir, said reservoir (10) being releasably secured in a leak-tightmanner into the dispensing appliance (11) such that fluid communicationbetween said reservoir (10) and said means is established, only whensaid protrusion(s) and recess(es) are fitted into each other, and saidprotrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of said reservoir (10) havecomplementary shapes of said protrusion(s) and/or recess(es) (17) ofsaid dispensing appliance (11). Preferably, the dispensing meanscomprises at least one protrusion that fits into a corresponding andcomplementary recess of the reservoir, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Alsopreferably, said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of saidreservoir (10) have exactly complementary shapes of said protrusion(s)and/or recess(es) (17) of said dispensing appliance (11). Indeed, it ispreferred that all the contours of the reservoir fit all the contours ofthe recess of the dispensing means, thus providing enhanced maintain ofsaid reservoir. However, the shape of the reservoir may be such that itdiffers from the shape of the dispensing means' housing but still fitstherein, such that a fluid connection between the two is established.However, it will be easily understood that the risk of leakage isenhanced in case all the contours of the reservoir are not properlymaintained by the contours of the dispensing means.

The Handling Means

The device (1) according to the present invention is preferablyhand-held, and therefore preferably comprises a holding means, which ismore preferably integrated to the housing of the dispensing appliance(11). The holding means may be any sort of handle (18) which will allowthe user to pick up the device (1) and to carry it to the place wherethe spraying is to be carried out. The handle (18) can be part of thereservoir (10) or of the housing of the dispensing appliance (11). It islikely that the device (1) will be carried around a whole room when acarpet is being cleaned, and/or will be manipulated in all directionsduring use. The handle (18) may be a simple protrusion or indentationwhich may be gripped by the user, or it may be a more sophisticateddesign for ergonomic reasons.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the housing ofthe dispensing appliance (11) comprises a means allowing the user tocarry it without using hands. In a first example, the housing comprisesa clip which allows the user to hang said housing to a belt. In anotherexample, the housing comprises at least one shoulder strap which allowsto carry said housing on the shoulder/back. Other such means may beapplied which allow the user to use both hands for other tasks.

The Reservoir

The device (1) comprises at least one reservoir (10) which can be of anytype capable of containing a product under liquid form—by liquid it ismeant to include embodiments when the product comprises a solid and asolvent for progressively dissolving said solid. Also included areliquids comprising small particles in suspension. Said reservoir (10) ispreferably located into the housing of the dispensing appliance (11),and can be made out of any suitable material, such as metal, alloy,glass, but is preferably made out of plastic. It comprises at least onecompartment comprising at least one composition. Also preferably, thereservoir is vented. This means that the reservoir (10) comprises ameans for connection to the dispensing appliance (11), such that itprovides fluid connection between the two and allows fluid to exit saidreservoir into said dispensing appliance (11), but it also allowssimultaneous admission of air back into the reservoir (10) to compensatethe loss of contents. Such a vented reservoir is clearly necessary,especially in case the reservoir is rigid and its contents is pumped byan electrical pump in a continuous manner and/or is used over a longperiod without stopping the dispensing of contained product. Indeed,while the contents is being removed from the reservoir, the same volumeof gas or air needs to be replaced, otherwise, a depression is createdwhich stops the pump after a while. Some alternative solutions could beenvisaged, such as for example a reservoir made of two portions, onerigid outer shell combined with a flexible collapsible inner pouch, or aflexible pouch, with at lest one rigid portion, for example the spout.In such a system, the inner pouch would progressively collapse duringdispensing of the product, thus avoiding the need for replacement of thedispensed contents by a gas, and thus avoiding the need for a ventingsystem. However, it has been found that such alternative systems aretechnically difficult to manufacture, and are expensive.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing meanscomprises two needles: one is for dispensing of liquid from thereservoir, the other one is for admission of air back into saidreservoir, so as to ensure that the loss of contents in said reservoiris compensated. Such a connection system ensures that the reservoir iscorrectly vented, thus ensuring proper continuous pumping and dispensingof its contents. But alternatively, the venting of the reservoir can beachieved by a one-way valve, or by a venting membrane.

The at least one reservoir (10) can be fixed into the housing of thedispensing appliance (11), and then, preferably comprises one opening,more preferably a reclosable opening. Alternatively, the at least onereservoir (10) can be removable from the housing of the dispensingappliance (11), so that it is replaceable when empty, or it can berefilled, for example with tap water.

In a first embodiment, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises onereservoir (10) with one compartment, comprising one or morecomposition(s), preferably one composition.

In a second embodiment, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises onereservoir (10) with at least two different compartments, each of whichcan comprise different compositions, for example non-misciblecompositions or two chemically reacting solutions which react oncemixed. Such a reservoir (10) is made for example by an extrusion blowingprocess.

In a third embodiment, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises at leasttwo separate reservoirs. These reservoirs can have different shapes, forexample they can be designed with complementary shapes. Alternatively,different reservoirs can be plugged into the dispensing appliance (11)at different locations. Said reservoirs can comprise one or morecompartments comprising same, but most preferably different products.

In a forth embodiment, the dispensing appliance (11) comprises at leastone portion for connecting a reservoir (10) comprising a liquid such asa solvent or water, and at least one additional portion for connecting asmall cartridge of a concentrated composition, for example under liquid,gel or granulated form. At the time the consumer uses the dispensingappliance (11), the composition contained into the cartridge will bedissolved into the solvent or water, and the resultant active liquidcomposition will be dispensed through the spray nozzle (13).Alternatively, said cartridge is connected directly into one portion ofa reservoir (10). The cartridge can be for example screwed into anappropriate opening of the housing, or of the reservoir (10). Itcomprises a seal portion, such that when fully screwed, it sealablycloses said appropriate opening.

In all of the preceding embodiments, when the dispensing appliance (11)comprises more than one reservoir (10), the proportion of product pumpedcan differ from one reservoir (10) to another. For example, this isachieved by selecting pipes of different diameters for a reservoir (10)and another, or by adding a flow-control means to the pipes between onereservoir (10) and the pump.

In another embodiment, a kit is also provided which comprises thedispensing appliance (11) and at least one reservoir (10) comprising aproduct, said appliance and said reservoir being fitted by a fitment asper the present invention. Preferably, the kit comprises the dispensingappliance (11) and a set of several removable reservoirs, eachcomprising a different product. The different products can be productsfor treating different areas such as carpets, kitchen surfaces, bathroomsurfaces, cars or else.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, theneck (19) of the reservoir (10) is off-centered in the cross sectionalplan of the said reservoir (10), relatively to the central axis of saidreservoir (10), and the reservoir (10) is non-cylindrical. This is bestshown in FIGS. 3A to 3F. Such a shape prevents the reservoir (10) frommoving laterally and/or rotationally into the dispensing means housing,especially during use, thus preventing leakage.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir (10)comprises at least one recess and/or protrusion (16) to fit into atleast one corresponding protrusion and/or recess (17) of the device'sdispensing appliance (11), said reservoir (10) being releasably securedin a leak-tight manner into the dispensing appliance (11) such thatfluid communication between said reservoir (10) and said means isestablished, only when said protrusion(s) and recess(es) are fitted intoeach other, and said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of saidreservoir (10) have complementary shapes of said protrusion(s) and/orrecess(es) (17) of said dispensing appliance (11). Preferably, thereservoir (10) comprises at least one recess (16) that fits to acorresponding and complementary protrusion (17) of the dispensingappliance (11), as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Also preferably, saidprotrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of said reservoir (10) haveexactly complementary shapes of said protrusion(s) and/or recess(es)(17) of said dispensing appliance (11), for the reasons explained above.The recess can be an integral part of the reservoir's walls, butalternatively, said recess is created when a cap is secured onto theneck of said reservoir, said cap having a greater external diameter thanthe external diameter of the reservoir's neck.

Reservoir/dispensing Appliance Locking Mechanism

It has been shown that devices which comprise the assembling of adispensing appliance and a reservoir, and which are subject to movementsin all directions during use, are subject to leakage between saidreservoir (10) and said dispensing appliance (11). This leads tospilling of product onto unexpected areas, which is clearly messy, andcan even be dangerous, depending on the nature of the product which isdispensed.

Preferably, the reservoir (10) which is provided is non-cylindrical, andhas a off-centered neck (19). This provides stability and preventslateral and rotational movements of said reservoir (10) within thedispensing means's housing. Especially, the non-cylindrical shape of thereservoirs prevents rotational movements. However, there can still besome leakage due to axial movement of the reservoir (10) (i.e. along thelongitudinal axis of the reservoir). In order to prevent such axialmovements, the device (1) is further preferably provided with areleasable locking mechanism (25) between the reservoir (10) and thehousing of the appliance. Thus, it is a highly preferred feature of thepresent invention that the reservoir (10) comprises at least one recessand/or protrusion and the dispensing appliance (11) comprises at leastone corresponding protrusion and/or recess, said reservoir (10) beingreleasably secured in a leak-tight manner with the dispensing appliance(11) such that fluid communication between said reservoir (10) and saidmeans is established, only when said protrusion(s) and recess(es) arefitted into each other, and said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) ofsaid reservoir (10) have a shape which is complementary to saidprotrusion(s) and/or recess(es) of said dispensing appliance (11).Preferably, said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of saidreservoir (10) have exactly complementary shapes of said protrusion(s)and/or recess(es) (17) of said dispensing appliance (11), for thereasons explained above.

In a first embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the reservoir(10) comprises one recess (16) which is located in one of its lateralwalls, i.e. in its body portion. The dispensing appliance (11) comprisesone protrusion (17) which is positioned such that when the needle (15)of said dispensing appliance (11) has pierced the elastomeric membrane(14) of the reservoir's cap, and a fluid communication is establishedbetween the two, the protrusion (17) exactly fits into the recess (16).In this way, the reservoir (10) is tightly maintained into the housingof the appliance (11), thus preventing leakage of product at theinterface between the needle (15) and the pierceable means (14).

In a second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3A to3F, the reservoir (10) comprises one recess which is located near thetop, for example on the neck (19), or directly on the cap (28), oralternatively, the recess is constituted by the difference of externaldiameter between the neck (19) of the bottle and the cap (28) itself. Inthe latter case, if the external diameter of the cap (28) is greaterthan the external diameter of the reservoir's neck (19), a recess iscreated at the time the cap is secured onto said neck. The dispensingappliance (11) comprises one protrusion which is positioned such thatwhen the needle (15) of said dispensing appliance (11) has pierced therubber septum (14) of the reservoir's cap (28), and a fluidcommunication is established between the two, the protrusion exactlyfits into the recess. This second embodiment might be preferred to thefirst one. Indeed, the reservoir is preferably manufactured with ablow-molding process. Thus, tolerances in the reservoir are not asprecise as the tolerance of a piece which is injection molded. There isa need for high accuracy in the mating of the locking fitment system toprevent movement of the reservoir (10) within the dispensing meanshousing. This is highly critical in the region of the connection betweenthe needle (15) and the elastomeric membrane (14), where the risk ofleakage is the highest. It was found that by minimizing the distancebetween the locking mechanism (25) and the membrane/needle fitment, thereservoir (10) is better held in place into the housing, in the regionof the membrane/needle fitment.

In any case, it is a preferred feature of the device (1) according tothe present invention, that the at least one recess and/or protrusion ofthe reservoir (10) is located at less than 25 cm, preferably less than20 cm, more preferably less than 10 cm from the top of said reservoir(10).

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, it is highly preferred that the lockingmechanism (25) between the reservoir (10) and the dispensing appliance(11) be releasable. To this effect, the at least one protrusion ismovable, such that it can be engaged/disengaged from the correspondingrecess(es). This is preferably achieved by providing a locking mechanism(25) which is of the push-button type, press-button type, or any othersuitable means for releasing the at least one protrusion from the atleast one recess. More preferably, the locking mechanism (25) is apush-button releasable locking mechanism (25). It comprises a movableprotrusion (17) which is mounted with a spring means (27), for examplean helicoidal metallic spring (27), or a plastic spring blade. Theprotrusion (17) is connected to a push button, which is accessible tothe consumer from the outside of the device's housing. When thereservoir (10) is in place and locked into the housing, the user canexert a push on the button, to release the protrusion (17) from thereservoir's recess, and remove said reservoir (10) from the device (1).

The protrusion can have any shape, as long as it is an exactcomplementary shape of the recess. For example, in can be a simple pin,but it can also be a hook, or it can even have more complex shape, asdoor keys have.

As hereafter described in more detail, the needles (15) which aremounted onto the appliance (11) are preferably protected from access bya consumer, by a spring loaded protecting plate (20) which preventsaccess to said needles (15) when the appliance contains no reservoir(10), and which retracts to give access to the needles (15) whenever areservoir (10) is fully inserted into said appliance (11).

In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, thespring-loaded movable protrusion (17) which releasably locks thereservoir (10) inside the dispensing appliance's recess is furtherprovided with a means for locking the protecting plate (20) into theposition wherein it prevents access to the needles (15), as shown inFIG. 1A. This provides a double security, since the protecting plate(20) cannot be moved without first pressing onto the movable protrusion.Practically, the coordinated movement of pressing onto said movableprotrusion, and at the same time, moving the protecting plate (20) toaccess the needles (15), cannot be done accidentally since said movableprotrusion, and said protecting plate (20) are not located at the sameplace. It is even more difficult for a child that would play with theappliance, even for a long time. Thus, this system of linking thelocking mechanism (25) to the spring-loaded protecting plate (20)provides additional benefit to the device (1) as a child-resistantfeature.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the protecting plate issecured in locked position while preventing access to the needles by acirclip. The circlip is a flexible, substantially circular spring,preferably made out of metal, but which can be made out of any othersuitable flexible material. Said circlip comprises a main ring which isdiscontinued in its median portion, and two extensions of this main ringextending upwardly. Said circlip is inserted between the fitment of theappliance and the protecting plate. In normal position, the main ring ofthe circlip has a diameter which is lower than the external diameter ofthe base of the protecting plate, such that said protecting plate cannotmove down to the bottom of the appliance's fitment, and thus it islocked in “needle-protecting” position. Whenever the reservoir isinserted into the appliance, said reservoir's shoulders push onto theextensions of the circlip, with the effect that it increases thediameter of the main ring, such that said diameter of the main ringbecomes greater than the external diameter of the protecting plate.Thus, said protecting plate is free to slide down and to give access tothe needles that pierce the membrane of the reservoir.

Reservoir (10)/dispensing Appliance (11) Fitment

As it has been previously described, the reservoir (10) is fitted to thedispensing appliance (11) by means of at least one piercing means(15)—for example at least one needle (15)—which punctures at least onepierceable means (14). Preferably, said at least one needle (15) islocated into a recess of the appliance, into which said reservoir (10)is normally placed during use, and said pierceable means (14) is locatedonto the reservoir (10).

The at least on needle (15) which is used for the present invention mayhave several shapes or constitutive materials such as stainless steel,tantalum, zirconium . . . etc., but preferably, it is made out of metalstainless steel 304 or similar stainless steel. More preferably it hasan outside diameter comprised within the range of 0.7 to 7 mm, and morepreferably an outside diameter comprised within the range of 0.7 to 2.5mm. Also preferably, it has an internal diameter comprised within therange of 0.5 to 2 mm, and even more preferably, an inside diametercomprised within the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. In case said at least oneneedle is a bevel-edged needle, it preferably has a tip angle comprisedwithin the range of 15° to 30°, and even more preferably, said needle(15) has a tip angle of 21°. However, other shapes for a needle can beused.

It has been found that bevel-edged needles may be at least partiallyobstructed by a portion of the membrane, which may render the appliancenon-functional. This is due to the fact that the heel of the needle'sbevel is very sharp, and at the time the needle is inserted into themembrane, said sharp heel may poke out a little portion of the membrane,which then slides into the needle's channel, leading to obstruction ofsaid channel. One solution to avoid that problem is to use a non-coringneedle, which is defined as a needle that is designed and manufacturedsuch that it cannot poke out a portion of the material wherein saidneedle is inserted. There are different types of non-coring needles. Forexample, it can be achieved by sand-blasting the heel of the bevel, soas to erode it, until it loses its sharpness. Alternatively, the needlecan be shaped like a pencil tip, with its hole located on a lateral sideof the needle, and not on the tip itself, so that no beveled sharp edgescan cut and detach a portion of the pierceable material. -Alternatively,the needle's tip can be in the shape of a scalpel blade, with the holelocated on a lateral side of the needle, not on the blade itself, sothat no beveled sharp edge can be cut and detach a portion of thepierceable material. Such non-coring needles are known in the art, andthe skilled person may appropriately chose the right shape and size fora needle, to meet the purpose of the present invention.

It has been found that after removing the reservoir (10) from theappliance, the needle (15) is accessible by anyone who would put hishand into the appliance's recess. Such needles (15) are typically verysharp, and likely to cause injury upon contact, more particularly ifsome dispensed product remains on it. This is true for any type of user,but especially true for children. Indeed, it has been shown thatchildren are very curious and while playing, they tend to put theirhands into the recess of the dispensing appliance (11).

Thus it is a preferred feature of the fitment between the bottle and theappliance, according to the present invention, that it comprises aprotecting means (20) to prevent access to said at least one needle(15), unless said reservoir (10) is connected to said appliance.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the protecting means (20) is amovable protecting plate (20). More preferably, said protecting plate(20) comprises a recess (22) in the shape of the cap. Said protectingplate (20) is spring loaded, so that it automatically returns to aposition in which access to the needles (15) is prevented, whenever thereservoir (10) is removed from the appliance. Any type of spring can beused, but preferably, the springs (27) are helicoidal springs (27), asshown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. At the time the reservoir (10) is inserted intothe neck (19) of the appliance, its neck (19) and/or closure pushagainst said protecting plate (20) so that the needles (15) areaccessible, and can pierce the pierceable means (14) to establish afluid communication in a leak-tight manner between said reservoir (10)and said dispensing appliance (11).

Pierceable Means

After removing the reservoir (10) from the appliance, the user might bein a situation where a certain amount of product remains in saidreservoir (10), for example in case the user would like to temporarilyuse the dispensing appliance (11) for dispensing another type ofproduct. In this case, the remaining product may well leak through theopen pierceable means (14) of the reservoir (10), which is clearlyundesirable to the consumer. Also, during usage of the device (1), it isessential that the fitment between the reservoir (10) and the dispensingappliance (11) is leak-tight, so as to prevent that liquid can contactthe interior of the appliance. Indeed in some cases, said appliance iselectrical, so any leakage of liquid inside the electrical circuits maylead to damage to the appliance, or even to injuries to the user, whichis of course clearly undesirable.

In the following description, for clarity purposes, the sole embodimentwherein the pierceable means (14) of the reservoir (10) is a pierceablemembrane (14) will be discussed. However, this should not limit thescope of the present invention, since the pierceable means (14) mayalternatively be achieved in other ways. For example, the pierceablemeans (14) can be one portion of the reservoir's wall which is forexample molded integrally with said reservoir (10) by a co-injectionmolding process, also it can be a portion which is added to the walls ofthe reservoir (10) by means of gluing or welding process.

After the reservoir (10) has been in place within the appliance for onemonth or more, it has been shown that most known membranes stay in adeformed configuration, more particularly, they keep the form of theneedle (15) that was piercing through, in the shape of one or moreholes, which of course renders the container subject to leakage. Thisphenomenon is usually called setting-up and appears within a few weeksafter the needle (15) has been inserted. Surprisingly, it has been foundthat a pierceable membrane (14) as described hereafter providesexcellent leak-tightness once it is pierced by the needles (15) of theappliance. Moreover, it shows the very good advantage that, once thereservoir (10) is removed from said appliance, said membrane (14)recloses in such a way that setting-up, and thus leakage is prevented,even after the reservoir (10) has been in place within the appliance forone month or more. Such a membrane which resists to setting-up is thus,an essential feature of the fitment according to the present invention.

This is achieved by making a membrane (14) which does not take a setafter having been pierced. It has been found that this effect can beachieved by making the membrane (14) out of at least one layer of one ormore material(s), including at least one layer of an elastomericmaterial. Preferably, the membrane (14) is made out of at least onelayer elastomeric material that will provide good reclosabilityproperties, that is to say, whenever the membrane (14) is pierced andeven though the piercing means (15) stays into the membrane (14) over along period of time, the elastomeric layer will prevent the membrane(14) from taking a set, and it will ensure that once the piercing means(15)—for example the needle (15)—is removed from the membrane (14), saidmembrane (14) will retrieve its initial-closed-shape, so as to preventleakage. Additional layers made out of different materials may be used,for example one layer of a material that is chemically resistant to thereservoir (10) contents may constitute the inner layer of the membrane(14). Alternatively, materials such as metal, plastic, aluminum, alloys,paper or cardboard, Teflon, or any other suitable material may be addedto the layer of elastomeric material, in any combination of layers.

In a first and preferred embodiment, the membrane (14) is made out ofone layer of silicon, which provides excellent material memory, as wellas good chemical resistance to the reservoir's contents.

In a second embodiment, the membrane (14) is made out of a combinationof silicon and an inert PET. Silicon provides excellent memory to thematerials, so that the membrane (14) will close back after having beenpierced, whereas inert PET provides chemical resistance to the productcontained inside the reservoir (10). In a most preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the elastomeric membrane (14) is made out of twolayers: one inner layer out of inert PET, which comes in contact to theinside of the reservoir (10) and is especially meant to chemicallyresist to its contents, and an outer layer which is on contact with theatmosphere, and is made out of a silicon.

In both of the preceding embodiments, the thickness of the membrane (14)is an important parameter, and has an influence on the memory of thematerial. Preferably, the membrane (14) has a thickness less than 1 cm,more preferably, less then 6 mm, and even more preferably less than 4mm, all thicknesses being measured in the portion of the membrane (14)which is comprised in the middle portion of said membrane (14), i.e. inthe region which will be pierced (see FIG. 2).

The membrane (14) can have any suitable shape, but preferably it has acircular shape, with an overall diameter preferably comprised within therange of 0.5 to 5 cm, more preferably comprised within the range of 0.7to 2 cm, and even more preferably comprised within the range of 0.9 to1.1 cm. It has been shown that a ratio of 3.6 mm thickness in the middlepierceable portion, for 1 cm overall diameter, provides good memoryproperties for a one layer silicon membrane (14), and preventssetting-up in a very good manner.

As previously described, the pierceable membrane (14) may be part of theappliance, but preferably, it is part of the reservoir (10) or the cap(28) closing said reservoir (10), and in the most preferred embodimentof the present invention, said pierceable membrane (14) is attached tothe top portion of the cap (28). It must be attached in such a way thatit is very difficult to remove it without using a tool. It can bemechanically inserted by means of ribs that fit into grooves, as shownin FIG. 2, or it can be attached by some other means, such as forexample heat sealing, gluing, welding. It can also be co-injected in thesame injection mold, together with the cap itself which provides theadvantage of being cheap to produce. In case it is made out of siliconor similar elastomeric material, the membrane (14) can also becast-molded, and then UV-cured.

The cap can have any suitable shape, for example it can have a truncatedprofile, as shown in FIG. 2. It can be screwed onto the neck (19) of thereservoir (10), for example by means of one or several screw threads,but it can also be secured by any other suitable means, such as bayonetfitment means, clipping means, or similar. However, a device (1) using afitment according to the present invention is even better achieved ifthe reservoir (10) is equipped with a pierceable cap with siliconmembrane (14), as previously described, wherein said cap can be securedonto the neck (19) of said reservoir (10), but cannot be removed. Insuch an embodiment, the reservoir (10) is difficult to open by children,because if the adult user needs to remove the reservoir (10) from theappliance when said reservoir (10) is not yet empty, the productcontained inside said reservoir (10) cannot leak because the pierceablemembrane (14) recloses upon removal of the reservoir (10), and the capcannot even be removed without using a tool and using a substantialamount of lever force. This means that there is low chance for a kid toget in contact with the composition contained inside. Such non-removablefitment can be achieved by any suitable means, such as for example screwthreads with non return triangular lugs, which allow screwing of thecap, but whereby unscrewing is prevented.

1. A device for delivery of a cleaning product from at least one liquidreservoir to at least one nozzle, the device comprising: a dispensingappliance for delivering a cleaning product, said dispensing appliancecomprising a holder for at least one liquid reservoir, said at least oneliquid reservoir being removable from said dispensing appliance, saiddispensing appliance comprising a first and a second needle wherein saidfirst needle is in fluid communication with at least a nozzle andwherein said second needle is in fluid communication with a ventingvalve; at least one liquid reservoir for containing said cleaningproduct wherein said at least one liquid reservoir respectivelycomprises at least one corresponding membrane having a needle-pierceableregion, such that said at least one pierceable membrane region recloseswhen said at least one liquid reservoir is removed from said dispensingappliance and such that a leak-tight fluid communication between saiddispensing appliance and said at least one reservoir is established whensaid first and second needles pierce said pierceable membrane region andwherein said membrane comprises an outer layer of silicone and an innerlayer of polylethylene terephthalate, said membrane having a thicknessless than 6 mm.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said cleaning productcomprises a surfactant.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein said membranehas a circular shape having a diameter comprised between 5 mm and 50 mm.4. The device of claim 3 wherein said diameter is comprised between 7and 20 mm.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein said needles have an outerdiameter comprised between 0.5 mm to 7 mm.
 6. The device of claim 5wherein said needles are metal needles and have an outer diametercomprised between 1.5 mm to 2 mm.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein saidmetal needles are non-coring needles.